Metolius Ultralight TCU

TCUs by Metolius are great for both alpine and free climbing where weight is a critical factor. Aid climbers also love 'em because their narrow head width allows them to fit so many placements that other cams won't, like shallow seams, pockets and pin scars. Now with the Range Finder feedback system, they are easier and safer to place than ever! The stainless steel, U-shaped body offers greater durability than single-stem units and unparalleled control during placement and retraction. As with all Metolius cams, the design is focused on holding power. Metolius TCUs are a must-have for any climber's rack!By going direct to the axle (D.A.T.) Metolius has made the world's best selling mini cam even lighter and more versatile. This new technology makes the TCU's the lightest units in the world, opens up a myriad of placement options and makes placement easier. The design is focused on holding power, and it does this with the optimized cam angle for more outward force and wider cam faces for more grip. The Range Finder system makes them easier and safer to place than ever. A must have piece for free climbing, aid routes and alpine climbing.

FEATURES of the Metolius Ultralight TCU

The world's best-selling mini cam

Narrow head width for the most placement options

Direct Axle Technology (DAT) makes Ultralight TCUs the lightest cams in the world

DAT allows for more placement options in shallow, narrow, or bottoming placements

DAT makes tricky placements easier due to better cam lobe visibility, especially in the small sizes

13 mm (0.51") Monster Sling webbing (36% Dyneema/64% nylon)

Range Finder tells you at a glance if you've chosen the right size cam for the placement

Optimized cam angle for increased holding power

Wider cam faces for more grip

U-shaped body for greater durability and unparalleled control during placement and retraction

My first experience with these cams was incredible. They work like a charm everytime, especially the Orange one. The color coating placement scheme is useful for beginning trad climbers and they are very easy to place, although a bit harder to remove due to the design of the trigger in relation to the stem. Overall, I would totally recommend these cams to others for a durable piece of pro that works well in any rack.

Its not too often I find a small cam that every time I set it and feel I could whip on that. Tcu's set nice, are light weight, and are easy to set wether you want to use your thumb or palm when pulling the trigger.

I use these little guys almost every route I climb. Use the on almost every anchor that needs some pro. Sent a climb in CT yesterday and used 1-4 more than once. The design is simple and very effective. If you have giant paws, it may be a little difficult to set and clean but that never stopped you did it? If you don't have them... find a friend and try em out. Then go out and get a pretty set of them. If you buy em and don't like them. Give them to me.

The design may be old, but it still works great. These things rock because of just how light they are. They are the first pieces of gear I bring when I plan on anything Alpine related. Even with the U shaped body, they fit into small cracks really well. They aren't the best for aiding however, they will work for great too. They are also confidence inspiring and when you tug on one it is obvious it ain't going anywhere. Only thing to remember is that the slings they have are short. Just extend them like you would most other cams and they shouldn't walk too bad.

These work great when the pro gets thin. I like to use these when crack get to the size of fingers and smaller. They don't fit the greatest in some pods, due to the U shape. But it is just something to be mindful of.Also, just get in the habit of extending the sling when you think there is going to be "walking" potential for any cams.

Cheapest of the mini's and work great. However, if you have large fat fingers don't get these, they are designed for people with very small (skinny) fingers and or children J/k! But seriously if you have any doubts go in and play with em first. Also a word of caution about the range finder system. If you get into the green zone and your cam walks at all you may be looking at a lost cam or 10 minutes with a nut tool trying to get that guy unstuck. Otherwise I think that they hold really well, and I have personally taken a decent fall on the orange one, so i can vouch for it at the very least.

I like TCUs pretty well. Not quite as squirmy as Aliens and with not quite the range, these never seem to get as small as you think they should when you are trying to place them... but they are super light and feel great when you get them placed (more confidence-inspiring than larger Metolius cams).

A great many people will nitpick these things to death. However, they are great when used properly. They are super lightweight, solid construction and bomber in on rock. Some people cite their ability to walk and their short slings as complaints. Don't listen to em. They're cheap and very reliable when properly placed. I've taken mean lead falls on these babies down to size 2 and I definitely trust them. The 00 is the smallest piece in the lineup, good for about a 3,4 or 5 nut sized placement.

These are very light weight and rack well. I prefer these over the power cams in sizes 1-4 becasue these tend to fit in irregular cracks better. I haven't fallen on one yet, but I feel confident in the holding power after I place one.

I own 00-3 and love these for narrow placements. The trigger is much smoother than the C3s and these tend to be a bit more stable in vertical placements. They are cheaper than the C3s, lighter, and have larger ranges in most of the smaller sizes. I don't like anything larger than a 3 since they tend to walk more in flaring cracks as compared to C4s, Aliens, and Power cams, but the TCU is one of the best for really thin protection.

I use a mixed rack and out of all the cams I own the Metolius TCU is probable tied for second for my favorite...you just can't beat a stem necks flexibility...I can't wait for the Master Cams to come out in June!

20% Off EVERYTHING (Plus use code YAY20 to get 20% off the stuff we forgot to mark down) Details

DETAILS AND RULESBoring details and rules for the Moosejaw 20% Off Almost Everything deal.

The 20% off sale cannot be combined with other codes or promotions and it can't be applied to prior purchases. The 20% off is good on in-stock items only. Exclusions apply. You must use code YAY20 on the items we forgot to markdown. This only works once per order and only works on the most expensive qualifying item. The sale only applies to select brands, and not all items from those brands are included in the sale. Offer valid 3/30/2015 through 4/12/2015 but may be changed or canceled at any time without prior notice. Sorry for being so mean about everything.

Moosejaw Rewards You earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on Moosejaw.com or at our shops (5 points for discounted items). That's like getting 10% back to spend on MoosejawRewards.com. So if you get a $200 jacket at Moosejaw.com you can turn around and get a $20 tee at Moosejaw Rewards. You are signed up and earn points automatically when you make a purchase and give your email address.